TSW ~ E.W. King: THE ARMOR OF GOD

THE ARMOR OF GOD

by Linzy Bruno

Ephesians 6:10-17 presents to us much more than something to keep in mind; these verses are instructions on what to do. They inform us as to how we should respond to the evil that is taking over the modern-day world. Although the armor of God is essential to our overall Christian walk; it has never been more significant. Moreover, these verses even points to the time in which we are currently living, by using the phrase "in the evil day:"

"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; " (Ephesians 6:10-17)

It's important to break these down and examine all these things individually: the keys to our defense:

Armor #1). "having girded your waist with truth," V.14

This first instruction regarding knowledge of the truth is key and likely why it's listed first. Without knowledge of the truth, there is no way to know who and what to watch out for. In this instance, there is no way of knowing who are enemies are; let alone how to resist their influence. (Here, God has provided us with detailed and clearly listed instrutions; thanks be to GOD.) *This knowledge is a key weapon

Armor #2)."having put on the breastplate of righteousness," V.14

Our generation has seen a major and rather sudden shift; the general public is quickly sinking into widespread lawlessness. People are starting to lose their concern for decency; chosing to live in an uncivilized society. It's gotten so bad, that people don't even recognize the difference between right and wrong anymore (See Isaiah 5:20). The godless have always displayed their depravity to some degree, but now, due to this rebellion, people have lost their collective minds and bad has literally become the standard of good and visa versa.
Therefore, it has never been more vital a time to abide in God's laws and statutes; most of which, God has put on the hearts of all people.*This knowledge is a key weapon.

Armor #3). "and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;" V.15

The secular world needs godly examples. Christians ought to keep in mind that we are God's Ambassadors in the earth. Our attitudes and behavior should reflect godliness and, furthermore, we ought to share the Gospel with anyone who will listen! This is a weapon against Satan. When we do this, we are doing God's Work, which not only opposes Satan, but acts as a hedge of protection around us. *This practice is a key weapon.

Armor #4). "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." V.16

Our faith in Christ acts as a strong weapon against all evil, but only when we are aware that God has given us authority over Satan. That means we are not his victim unless we allow his torture to overtake us. *This knowledge is a key weapon.

Armor #5). "And take the helmet of salvation," V.17

This simply means that we know who we are in Christ; not of ourselves do we fight evil or do anything else for that matter, but through God's Power. *This knowledge is a key weapon

Armor #6). "and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; " V.17

Jesus gave us an example; use God's Word against Satan. God's Word is a double-edged sword; it can be used to fight, but one can also be taken down by it. *This knowledge is a key weapon.

It would appear, after the study of this passage that these six weapons (funny how there six: the number of man) that the weapons of our warfare larely involve knowledge, not ordinary knowledge, Godly knowledge. Paul's use of terms of warfare like: breastplate, shield and sword illustrate a connection to that weapon. For example, a breastplate covers the chest and God has written His Laws on our hearts. This imagery helps us comprehend these instructions, as they are not what mankind thinks of when considering weapons. This is because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, as verses 10-12 tell us.

Finally, putting on the full armor of God has never been more necessary for the body of Christ. I pray everyone who believes will make a point of putting on the full armor of God before going out their front doors going forward, as we get closer and closer to the day that will change the landscape of this world and the Church Age comes to a close.

The "evil day" is upon us and we need to get ready and stay ready and strong while we await our Rescue; the Rapture, when Jesus will snatch us away (1Thessalonians 4:13-18) (and we will be safe forever!) from the evil that will take over the entire world.

NKJV

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